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Mallikarjun Temple is situated on Shri Shaila Mountain by the banks of the Patal Ganga, Krishna River in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. Also known as Kailash of the South, Mallikarjuna constitutes one of the 12 Jyotirlingam shrines of Shiva and is one of the greatest Shaivaite shrines in India. The presiding deities of Mallikarjuna Temple are Mallikarjuna (Shiva) and Bhramaramba (Devi). Every year there is a fair organized on account of Mahashivratri.

Adjacent to the Kanakadurga temple is the shrine of Malleswara Swami on the Indrakiladri hill. Mallikarjuna or the Malleswara as he is known in the Puranas is said to have been installed by 'Yudhishthira', the eldest of the 'Pancha Pandavas', as a token of their victory of the South.

Thribhuvana Malla, Western Chalukya King of the 10th century AD, historically constructed the temple. By ascending the steps on the hill, one comes across little images of different deities, prominent among them being Kali, Shiva and Krishna. There are interesting legends about the origin of the Malleswaraswamy temple also. It is stated that, prior to the 'Kalyuga', the sage 'Agastya' had named the Lord at Vijayawada as 'Jayasena'. The Mahabharata hero Arjuna, called the Lord as Malleswara. Thus, the famous Lord Shiva so goes the legend, graces with his presence and blesses the town Vijayawada on the banks of the sacred Krishna river.

According to Shiva Purana, when Lord Ganesh was married of before his Kartikeya, and because of this brother Kartikeya became angry. Despite being stopped and consoled by his parents Shiv-Parvati, Kartikeya went away to the Kraunch Mountain. Even the Gods went and tried consoling Kartikeya but all their efforts were in vain. Because of this incident Shiv-Parvati were very sad and both decided that they would themselves go to Kraunch Mountain. However, when Kartikeya came to know that his parents have arrived, he went away. Eventually Lord Shiva assumed the form of Jyotirlinga and resided on that mountain by the name of Mallikarjuna. Mallika means Parvati, while Arjuna is another name of Shiva. In this way both Shiva and Parvati came to reside in this linga. It is said that by merely seeing the tip of mountain one is emancipated from all his sins and worries. The person becomes free from the vicious cycle of life and death


Located adjacent to the Mallikarjun Temple is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Jagdamba who is known as Bhramaramba here. The Bhramaramba shrine is considered to be of great significance. Legend has it that Durga is said to have assumed the shape of a bee and worshipped Shiva here, and chose this place as her abode.

The architecture of the ancient Mallikarjun Temple is very beautiful and intricate. The temple has fort like walls, towers and a rich endowment of sculptural work. The huge temple is built in the Dravidian style with lofty towers and sprawling courtyards and is considered to be one of the finest specimens of Vijayanagar architecture. Temple of Tripurantakam, Siddavatam, Alampura and Umamaheswaram located in the vicinity of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlina are considered to be the four gateways to Sri Sailam.

Nearby tourist places to Gundala Mallikarjuna Temple Tirupathi Hyderabad Visakhapatnam Warangal Anantagiri

• Through Airways: The nearest airport is the domestic airport located at Gannavaram, about 20-km, from the city. It connects Vijayawada to Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam. It is just a 30-minute flight away from Hyderabad.


• Through Railways:Through Railways, situated along the Chennai- Howrah and Chennai-Delhi rail route, Vijayawada is the largest railway junction of the South Central Railway. There are a number of express and super fast trains, connecting Vijayawada with almost all the important places of the country.


• Through Roadways:The city has a good network of roads that connects Vijayawada with all the places within the state and also with the major cities in India. One can use the services of the buses of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC).


• Through Local Transport: For local transportation tourist taxis, metered taxis, auto rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws are available. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) offers bus services, connecting important places within the city with each other.